Michael Ray Odermann

Michael “Mike” Ray Odermann, 73, of Portland, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at Hopewell House after a full day filled with family, football on, and storytelling. Born on October 22, 1952, in Vancouver, Washington to Janette and Ray Odermann, Mike called Portland home and built a legacy there rooted in hard work, devotion, and a genuine love of life.

A graduate of Jefferson High School in 1970, Mike went on to a career as a longshoreman and later served as vice president of his union, work that reflected the steady commitment and strong sense of responsibility he carried throughout his life. He was the kind of man who did things the right way, never taking shortcuts. He earned what he had through persistence and pride in a job well done. He worked hard for everything in his life and cherished it all deeply.

Michael was known first and foremost as a devoted family man. He was the proud father of Kevin Odermann, Jennifer Lehr, Steven Odermann and Nicholas Odermann, and the joy of being a grandfather to Weston Odermann, Savana Lehr, Walker Odermann, Olivia Odermann and Lucy Odermann brought him immeasurable happiness. He married Marcia, the love of his life, in 1989, and together they shared a life filled with love, loyalty, laughter, and countless cherished memories. His family knew him as a dependable father, never too busy to help and always easy going. He was a caretaker, and a man who made those around him feel supported and cared for from a soft-spoken piece of critical advice or offering a helpful hand on a chore, or an odd job nothing was too big, too little, or too inconvenient. He was always there for his loved ones. Mike brought warmth, steadiness, and dependability to the people he loved, and his presence will be forever missed. The stories shared amongst those who knew him best are filled with laughter and the traditions he helped create will carry forward.

Mike loved his life and that spirit showed in the way he moved through the world. He had an infectious sense of humor, an easy going, sunny disposition, and a gift for making everything more fun. He was a gentleman in the truest sense, thoughtful and kind, with a way of making others feel at ease. Whether he was tinkering around and fixing things, heading out on one of his many cycling rides, or cheering on the Ducks Football team as a season ticket holder, he found joy in the simple pleasures and brought that joy with him wherever he went. Cycling was one of his great passions, and he rode nearly 3,000 miles annually for over 2 decades. He holds the unique distinction of wearing out a frame on his Trek road bike. His cycling achievements included a ‘Cycle Oregon - the Weekend’ in Central Oregon & rides around Mt. Bachelor a 100 mile loop completed in a single day. Also, Mike was a passionate skier and loved ski trips to Sunriver - for days on the mountain & evenings filled with laughter, and a Rusty Nail or perhaps even two.

Michael’s life was one of dedication, laughter, and love. He will be remembered for the example he set, the care he gave, and the way he made the extraordinary effort feel ordinary. His family and all who knew him will carry forward with his work ethic, easy humor, and miss his wisdom, but be comforted by knowing he would look back on his life as one that was well lived and with an immense level of pride. He will be forever loved and missed by all those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229, US, on September 18, 2026, from 11:30 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Reception will follow at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229, US, on September 18, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.